In the quiet village of Koraput in Odisha, India, lives an extraordinary woman known as the “Queen of Millets” – Raimati Ghiuria. Despite having only studied until class 7, Raimati has become a champion for the cultivation and preservation of rare millets. Her remarkable journey recently took her to the G20 Summit, where she shared her expertise with global leaders.
Reviving Millets: A Tribal Stand
Raimati’s mission is rooted in the concern that people are shifting from nutritious millets to more commonly consumed rice and wheat. In response, tribal farmers, including Raimati, are taking a stand to revive interest in these native grains. Her efforts were recognized at the G20 Summit, where she actively engaged in discussions and earned the title “Queen of Millet.”
72 Paddy Varieties and 30 Millet Varieties
Raimati’s achievements go beyond cultivation – she has preserved 72 traditional paddy varieties and 30 rare millet varieties. Notably, one of her millet varieties is set to be officially released by the Odisha government. Despite her limited formal education, Raimati attributes her knowledge to practical experience gained in the field.
Inspired by Kamala Pujari, a Padma Shri awardee for conserving paddy seed varieties, Raimati has tirelessly pursued her passion amid managing household chores. With the guidance of Padma Shri Kamala Pujari, Raimati joined forces with the MS Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF), a non-profit organization based in Chennai. Since 2000, MSSRF has assisted Raimati in adopting scientific conservation methods, significantly improving the yield and quality of her millet farming.
Empowering Communities
To expand her impact, Raimati has trained 2,500 farmers in her community to adopt millet farming techniques. Known as the ‘Millet Queen’ of Odisha, she emphasizes the significance of millets in daily meals, highlighting their role as a vital energy source.
During the G20 Summit, Raimati showcased culinary delights crafted from millets. She leads a self-help group of women farmers and farmer-producer companies, processing millets into value-added products like pakoras and laddus. These products are sold at local markets and tiffin centers in the Kundra block.
Education and Recognition
Raimati’s commitment extends to establishing a farm school in her village since 2012, where she trains individuals in scientific millet farming practices. Her exemplary work has earned her the title ‘Millet Queen’ at the state level, along with awards such as the Best Farmer Award from ICAR – IISWC and the Traditional Food Festival by TATA Steel.
5 benefits of eating millets:
1. Millets are rich in essential nutrients, like vitamins (B-complex vitamins, vitamin E), minerals (iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc), and antioxidants.
2. They are high in fiber. Thus, having millets promotes digestive health and prevents constipation.
3. Millets are gluten-free, which makes them an excellent grain alternative for people who have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
4. Millets have a lower glycemic index (GI) as compared to refined grains. This makes them a suitable choice for people managing diabetes or those who are looking to regulate their blood sugar.
5. Having millets can help reduce cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and the risk of heart diseases.
Conclusion: A Proud Journey
Raimati Ghiuria’s journey from a tribal village to the G20 Summit reflects her dedication to preserving indigenous millet varieties. Her story, rooted in simplicity and resilience, serves as an inspiration for local communities and global leaders alike. Through her efforts, Raimati continues to make her state proud and contribute to the revival of millets in India.
